a thrift haul, II

This time with awkward video!

I went thrifting yesterday. Please note this is not a chic, aspirational haul video, it is an extremely shaky iPhone video with absolutely no editing and plenty of unnecessary commentary. Enjoy!

Is this goofy? Probably. But I love thrift hauls because they reveal so much about a person and their life, and I am by nature extremely nosy. When I thrift I am forever peering into other people’s baskets and carts. You have a penchant for ceramic owls? Fascinating! Your husband loves erudite mid-century salt and pepper shakers? I love that for you! What does my haul say about me? Well, I don’t have any sexy obsessions (if only), but I do have two weed-like young kids, mild depression, and a sense of pervasive unease about the world!

I adore how personal style is not just visible in but actively challenged by thrift stores. You cannot simply select from the curated display of clothing that has been pre-determined to appeal by virtue of trend cycles and algorithms. You have to be both creative and discerning, ruthless and patient. Yes, I keep a list of pieces I’m looking for (in the video I say something nonsensical about “mesh mocknecks,” by which I mean shirts like this one - these have been on my wish list for a while which is why I was drawn to the Rebecca Taylor top), but I always leave room for whimsy (hence the lilac and mint striped pants). I don’t always get it right, but when I get it wrong, so what? I re-sell, donate, or give the item away, and feel once again part of the circular economy, going round and round in an endless loop of silk blouses and porcelain candlesticks.

Get your joy where you can, is what I’m saying.

Self Soothing

If you like thrift hauls, I highly recommend Christene Barberich - she also frequently posts about amazing pieces she finds on the street in NYC. All I’ve found on the street in Boston is mild racism and bad drivers. Whee!